The science behind probiotics can be somewhat daunting but we think it’s very helpful for people to understand exactly what probiotics do and how they can help your general health and wellness. Because many online resources can get, well, a bit science-y, we’ve introduced Miley, the magical microbe (that’s him over there on the right), to help us navigate the world of Good Natured Science.
Periodically, we’ll publish questions that our customers and internet visitors pose about probiotics, what they are and how they work.
We’re kicking off our Ask Miley series with a great conversation-starter:
What are the benefits of probiotics for our personal health?
I am so happy your asked. In a nutshell, probiotics (me and my little microbe buddies) are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amount and under appropriate circumstances, confer a health benefit on the host. These benefits might include boosting the immune system and aiding your digestive tract.
(When used outside of the human health realm, probiotics can provide eco-friendly cleaning solutions, improve soil and crop yield, provide odor control in commercial and industrial settings and more. That’s a topic for another day!)
Over 100 million Americans have digestive problems, spending billions of dollars each year on drugs, over-the-counter remedies and doctors’ visits. Why is this so alarming? Well, your gut is where nutrients are absorbed and toxins, allergens and microbes are eliminated. So, your gut is directly linked to your overall health.
Your digestive system must be able to digest, absorb and assimilate food optimally for good health. Me and my little buddies work to balance the stuff in your gut to help with all of that.
Did you know that there are HUNDREDS of bacteria species in your gut? That’s right – about 3 POUNDS of us in there. (Wow. Think about that for a second!) We all work together to help digest food, produce vitamins, regulate hormones, excrete toxins and more. But we have to be in balance. Too many “bad seeds” or not enough “good bacteria” and everything’s out of whack.
Poor diet (low fiber, high sugar, high calorie, processed food), overuse of some medications (like antibiotics), and even stress can creates an environment conducive to the growth of those “bad seeds”. We don’t like those guys. And they make you feel pretty cruddy.
Here’s where me and my friends come in (probiotics). While you work to adjust your diet to eat whole unprocessed foods, add some probiotics to the mix, to stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in your digestive ecosystem.
Probiotics aren’t drugs – we are all natural, functional health foods and should be part of your long-term healthy diet and lifestyle. The repetitive introduction of beneficial microorganisms (like me!)in any living system allows healthy microbes to dominate the disease-causing “enemy” – bad gut bacteria.
As we (the billions of microbes living in your gut) get to work, many probiotics users find relief from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and even antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Be patient though. We’re small guys and cleaning up your system after the not-so-good guys have had their way with it takes a little while. You probably won’t see immediate relief. It’s not magic, it’s Good Natured Science! Give us a month or so to do our work.
You might want to get started with a probiotic-infused Green Smoothie. And look for more yummy recipes and healthy tips coming your way soon, right here on the Innovative Probiotics blog.
